CARDIFF CITY have been warned to expect a Norwich backlash when the Canaries fly into Ninian Park on Saturday.

Dave Jones' men will be confident of recovering from their 1-0 weekend loss at Birmingham with a home win against a Norwich side lying 17th in the Championship.

But the Carrow Road outfit, whose Wales striker Robert Earnshaw misses out on a Ninian Park return through injury, are smarting from controversial decisions that went against them in Tuesday night's 2-1 home defeat against Derby.

And Norwich, who will have former Cardiff goalkeeper Tony Warner between the posts as he continues his loan spell from Fulham, are desperate to take out their frustrations on the Bluebirds this weekend.

"I thought the referee had a strange game," said Canaries star Darren Huckerby after Norwich had one goal disallowed and a penalty appeal turned down against Derby.

"I thought in the first half we were much the better team. We didn't create loads of chances, but neither did they. We controlled the game until they scored their first goal.

"We were very disappointed with the result, but overall, even though we lost, I thought we were the better team.

"We can take a lot of hope from the performance and we're looking forward to producing more of the same at Cardiff.

"We'll be ready for Saturday and really keen on getting a result this time."

Cardiff will be strengthened by the return from injury of captain Darren Purse, who believes City's home form will determine whether they claim a coveted top-six place come the end of the campaign.

"It's going to be our home games that really define where we finish up this season," said Purse, who has not featured since injuring his back at Wolves on January 20.

"I think we've had the best home performances of nearly every other club, but we have to do everything we can to keep that going.

"When it's this tight and you're competing with five or six other teams at the top of this division, you need to make sure you get a full return from your home games.

"We've got a massive one coming up against Norwich and getting the win against them is crucial.

"The next three or four games are going to be really tough for us because, after Norwich, we've got Southampton and Derby away.

"Usually you get one or two teams who have run away with the division by this stage of the season, it's very unusual.

"But it's great for the division and it's bringing the crowds back.

"Personally, I'm dying to return against Norwich and hopefully I can help take us into the play-offs."